A few days later you wanted to go into town to the farm market for some fresh produce. It would be closing for the season soon. You planned to make apple butter and possibly a pie. Luis was readying himself for work when you told him your plan for the day. He moved around the bedroom in just his suit pants and shirt hanging open showing off his washboard abs with his tie hanging around his neck haphazardly.

“You’re staring, carina,” Luis remarked with a grin and started buttoning his shirt.

“Sorry. Just can’t help myself.” You climbed out of bed. “Here let me,” you offered, motioning to his tie.

“You’re so beautiful.” Luis looked down at you with sincere eyes.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” you responded, then gave him a wonk.  “There. Perfect,” you said. You patted his chest. “Want anything from the farmers market?”

“Some jams or jellies and whatever fresh veggies look good.” He leaned down and kissed your temple. “Take Cesar and one of the new guys,” he instructed.  “I love you, Y/N.” He wrapped you in his arms and kissed you deeply.

“I love you too, Luis,” you responded after he broke away.

Sonny followed you as you wandered around the market. It was the first interaction you had with him since he had arrived. A shopping basket of fresh vegetables, apples and jams hung from your arm. He had been quiet all afternoon, which was a nominally for Sonny Carisi.

“You got everything you need?” The way he asked the question you knew he wasn’t talking about the items in your basket.

“More or less,” you informed him. “Just a few more things.”

“Here. Let carry that for ya,” he offered and reached for the basket.

“No thank you. I can manage,” you answered quickly.

“Yeah. I’m sure you can. Seem to managin’ things pretty well,” he concluded in a sarcastic tone.

Sonny stopped abruptly when you spun on your heel to face him. “You’ve been here for five days and that’s the only thing you have to say to me? I don’t know what you think you know, Dominick but you don’t know a damn thing,” you spat.

“I know that you’re screwing him,” he shot back in a low whisper. “You’re in love with him.”

“What are you jealous? It was one night, hence the name one night stand.” You thought back to that night. It had been a blur of drinks, a steamy cab ride back to Sonny’s apartment, making love all night, then you sneaking out the next morning without saying goodbye. That was the last time you had seen Sonny until a few days ago.

“Just didn’t realize you were so ‘friendly,” he said his voice laced with disdain.

“Fuck you, Dominick.” You shoved past him to pay for your items. Sonny trailed behind you.

Cesar opened the SUV door. “You okay Ms. Y/L/N?” He looked between you an Sonny.

“Just not feeling well. Thank you for your concern,” you replied and gave him a tight smile.

“Ouch! Shit! ” you exclaimed as the sharp knife cut through the pad of your thumb. You grabbed a dish towel, wrapped it around your thumb and held pressure. “Sorry about the language, Mama.”

Carmen, Luis’ mother waved it off and ushered you to the sink. She unwrapped the towel and ran cold water over the cut. “Oh mija. This looks bad. You need to see the doctor,” Carmen concluded. She took the first aid kit from under the sink and used the gauze to wrap it.

“Everything okay ladies?” Cesar asked. “I heard a scream.”

“Y/N cut her finger. I think it needs stitches,” Carmen informed him.

“I’ll pull the car around,” Cesar said.

“Really it’s not necess-”

“Nonsense. I’ll call Luis, let him know,” Carmen reassured you.

“Okay. Thank you Mami,” you smiled at the kind woman.

She kissed your cheek and walked you to the door.

To your surprise, it was Sonny opening the door to the SUV. “I thought Cesar was taking me.”

“You’re stuck with me,” he said with plastered on smile.

“Splendid.” You returned the same fake smile that you were given.

“Hey uh, I wanna apologize for what I said earlier. I was way outta line. I don’t think-” He was silent for a few moments. Sonny met your gaze in the rearview mirror. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too,” you replied softly as you fought back tears.

Luis was all but running through the doors as you were leaving the exam room.

Relief flooded his face. “Mama said you cut your thumb pretty bad. Said you were making an apple pie.” It was his favorite pie and you knew he had been looking forward to it all day.

“Seven stitches,” you informed him, showing your bandage as you gave him a thumbs up. “I think the pie may be ruined. Sorry babe.”

He hugged you to his chest. “Don’t worry about the pie. I’m just happy to hear you have all your fingers,” he said in a teasing tone.

The dull throb from your thumb woke you. A glance at the digital clock told you it was 2 AM. Luis wasn’t in bed, which wasn’t too unusual. He didn’t sleep much. Most times you found him alone on the patio smoking a cigar, deep in thought. And that’s where you found him tonight.

“Hey you,” you said softly, pulling your robe around you staving off the crisp Autumn air. Luis had a fire going in the outside fireplace.

“Mi amor. Come. Sit.” He patted the space beside him on the lounger. You did as requested and curled into his side.

“I didn’t mean to bother you. I know you’ve had a lot on your mind lately.”

“You are never a bother,” he said reassuringly. One arm wrapped around your upper half. He gently caressed your arm and placed a tender kiss to your injured thumb. He snubbed out his cigar. “Wish it could always be like this, just me and you.”

“That would be nice,” you confirmed. It would be. If only Luis wasn’t a drug dealing sex trafficker and you weren’t an undercover detective. Why couldn’t have things been different. Perhaps another time, another place. 

Sonny was right, you were in love with Luis and you didn’t know what you were going to do. You sighed and snuggled in closer to Luis’ chest. You’d deal with that when the time came. You knew that time was coming soon…